Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

Nobody's Fool

Play trailer Poster for Nobody's Fool R 1994 1h 50m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
91% Tomatometer 56 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.
Watch on Fandango at Home Stream Now

Where to Watch

Nobody's Fool

Nobody's Fool

What to Know

Critics Consensus

It's solidly directed by Robert Benton and stacked with fine performances from an impressive cast, but above all, Nobody's Fool is a showcase for some of Paul Newman's best late-period work.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View More
Michael Sragow The New Yorker 10/29/2013
The movie is both a star vehicle and an ensemble piece; the other actors revolve around Newman yet give off more than just his reflected light. Go to Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 10/29/2013
3/4
We love to see our movie gods play flawed souls, especially a god with a face that looks like one on a Roman coin. Go to Full Review Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times 10/29/2013
Moviegoing holds few pleasures greater than watching an established star completely inhabit a role that exactly suits his personality and abilities. And seeing Paul Newman in Nobody's Fool defines that pleasure. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 12/23/2022
3/4
Paul Newman had already delivered so many terrific turns in his lifetime that he hardly needed to continue past retirement age to cement his legendary status. Yet here he's found giving one of the best performances of his career. Go to Full Review Mal Vincent The Virginian-Pilot 02/25/2022
4/4
Ultimately, it sends us a proud and entertaining message that we can express love for others. Go to Full Review Jonah Koslofsky The Spool 02/04/2021
The formula the film follows endears, because Newman is able to make Sully both charming and an enormous screw-up. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View More
Thomas S. @ttonetom Dec 2 Excellent. One of my wife and mine favorite films See more Marcus T @MarcusT12 Jun 4 I watched about half of this and then lost interest. None of the characters grabbed me or made me care about them. Paul Newman's character, the reason I chose the movie, was on screen most of the time and wasn't a particularly likeable character. It was going nowhere fast so I turned it off. See more Nils B Mar 5 An absolutely charming film. A slice of life story done perfectly with great script, casting, directing, and more. One of my most favourite movies of all time. See more Brad S. R Feb 25 One of the best small town movies ever made. See more 12/31/2022 Overall, what begins as a slow-paced story about an old man with a limp soon transforms into something far greater than I could have ever expected. It's a touching story about family, friendships and loyalty. Paul Newman once again delivers a fun, likeable and charming character to the screen. While slow to begin with, the film delivers a strong payoff and reward by the third act. There are moments where I generally laughed out loud and other moments that felt gripping, dramatic and heartfelt. In the end, it's just a fun and lovable film that packs great rewards for those who invest in it. See more Jason 12/07/2022 The perfect film. Beautiful in every way See more Read all reviews
Nobody's Fool

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

View All

Robert Benton

Director

Paul Newman

Sully

Jessica Tandy

Miss Beryl

Melanie Griffith

Toby Roebuck

Bruce Willis

Carl Roebuck

Dylan Walsh

Peter

More Like This

View All
Intersection 10% 39% Intersection Watchlist Losing Isaiah 46% 73% Losing Isaiah Watchlist True Colors 44% 45% True Colors Watchlist Indecent Proposal 34% 47% Indecent Proposal Watchlist Heartburn 46% 46% Heartburn Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Related Movie News

View All
Bruce Willis’ 10 Best Movies
View All

Nobody's Fool

Nobody's Fool (1994) Nobody's Fool (1994) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.
Director
Robert Benton
Producer
Scott Rudin, Arlene Donovan
Screenwriter
Richard Russo, Robert Benton
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount Pictures, Capella International, Cinehaus
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 23, 1994, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$38.3M
Runtime
1h 50m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
Most Popular at Home Now